I need that game because I can’t stop loving my captor, no matter what he does.

It doesn’t help that the Julian of this morning is a far cry from the brutal savage of last night. From the moment I woke up, he’s been treating me like I’m made of crystal. Breakfast in bed followed by a foot rub, constant little kisses and affectionate gestures—if I didn’t know better, I’d think he’s feeling guilty.

Of course, I do know better. Only a thin line separates the monster of last night from the tender lover of this morning. Guilt is an emotion that’s as foreign to my husband as pity for his enemies.

When I get to the back porch, I grab a lounge chair under an umbrella and make myself comfortable. As always, the air outside is hot and humid, so thick it’s almost smothering. I don’t mind, though. I’m used to it. If it gets unbearable, I’ll jump into the pool. For now, I open my textbook and begin re-reading the chapter on neurotransmitters.

I’m only halfway through when a moving shadow makes me look up.

It’s Julian. Dressed in a pair of black swim trunks, he’s standing next to my chair, his gaze traveling over me with unabashed hunger.

I lick my lips, staring up at him. In the bright sunlight, he’s almost unbearably beautiful, the new scars somehow only adding to his stark masculinity. From his shoulders to his calves, every inch of his body is packed with lean, hard muscle. His powerful chest is dusted with dark hair, and his abs are clearly defined, with a line of hair trailing down from his navel into his shorts.

He’s stunning, more gorgeous than any man I’ve known—and I want him.

I want him despite last night, despite everything.

“How are you feeling, baby?” he asks, his voice low and husky. “Any nausea? Tiredness?”

“No.” I sit up, swinging my feet to the ground, and put down the textbook. “I’m okay today.”

Julian sits down next to me and tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear. “Good,” he says softly. “I’m glad.”

“Did you come out for a swim?” I try to ignore the warmth pooling between my thighs at his touch. “I thought you would go to your office.”

“I did, just for a few minutes, but I’m taking the rest of the day off.”

“Really?” Julian’s days off are so rare they’re practically nonexistent. “Why?”

He gives me a wry smile. “I couldn’t focus.”

“Oh.” I regard him cautiously. “Do you want to go for a swim then? I was thinking of diving in after I finished this chapter, but I can go now.”

“Sure.” Julian rises to his feet and offers me his hand. “Let’s go.”

I place my hand in his and let him lead me to the pool. As we approach the water, he suddenly bends down, slides his arm under my knees, and picks me up.

Startled, I laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Julian! Don’t throw me in! I like to walk in slowly—”